Alison Owen

Can you share what you and your CALL Artist were able to accomplish through the CALL program?
We were able to organize all of his prints and photos by edition, wrap all of his paintings, take photographs of the work, and enter them into the database. We also created a database of all of the monographs, catalogs, brochures, etc, that his work was featured in.

Can you give us a sense of how the CALL experience may have influenced you and your work as an artist?
It has helped me be more aware of the ways that I need to protect and organize my work, both physically and digitally.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of this work?
I enjoy creating systems for organization. Creating coherent work spaces and archives is my favorite part of the process. It feels really good to help someone create a more productive workspace, so that s/he can continue to make art and also properly store what has been made. Sometimes all you need is a more open and organized workspace to feel inspired to continue making things.

What has been most difficult?
It's hard to figure out where to start, sometimes, because there are decades of work to be organized. It can feel overwhelming.

What do you recommend to a Legacy Specialist in training on how to prepare for the overall CALL experience?
I would encourage the LS to be attentive to what the artist feels is the most important, and work toward that rather than toward what the LS might feel is the most important. That way, the artist will be encouraged and gratified by the process, and will continue the work on his/her own.